Bronchitis: Symptoms, Natural Treatment & What to Watch out for!

Bronchitis is one of the most common illnesses during the autumn and winter months. Acute or chronic, it can distress and weaken the body considerably.

While medications are usually the first line of treatment for both mild and severe cases, it’s worth mentioning there are natural methods and dietary supplements that boost the immune system and aid in faster recovery.

What is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is actually an infection of the bronchi (the main air passages to the lungs), leading to their irritation and inflammation.

It is categorized into two main types: acute and chronic.

• Acute Bronchitis: It is caused by a virus or bacteria, often accompanied by symptoms of the common cold. It typically lasts for 1 to 3 weeks.
• Chronic Bronchitis: A condition usually found in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by a productive cough lasting from 3 months to 2 years. Smoking is the main cause of chronic bronchitis, and quitting it is strongly recommended.

The main causes of bronchitis include:

1. bacterial and viral infections
2. smoking
3. environmental pollution
4. exposure to dust and pollutants
5. exposure to various irritants in the workplace (chemical bronchitis)

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Depending on the type of bronchitis, symptoms can vary in severity and duration. In general, bronchitis symptoms include:

• Cough, either dry or productive
• Feeling of burning in the chest
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle and joint pain, chills
• Increased feeling of fatigue

Treating Bronchitis

1. Cough syrups & medication

In the first line of treatment are cough syrups and possible medication prescribed by the treating physician, such as known inhalers.

Note that antibiotics for bronchitis are prescribed in cases where the infection is bacterial rather than viral (bacterial bronchitis).

However, there are many dietary supplements that contribute not only to prevention but also to better management of bronchitis, reducing both the intensity and duration of symptoms.

2. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

N-acetylcysteine is a form of the amino acid cysteine, which is abundant in food and can be synthesized in the body.

According to meta-analyses of studies, NAC has antioxidant and expectorant properties. It helps prevent and reduce the exacerbation of bronchitis symptoms and chronic respiratory diseases.

Particular benefit has been observed in smokers, as NAC consumption contributes to the prevention of bacterial lung infections and helps in expectoration, reducing cough severity. A common dosage is 600 mg/day, while in severe cases, it can reach 1200 mg/day under a doctor’s guidance.

3. Essential Oils

The essential oils that can help with bronchitis are:

• Oregano
• Eucalyptus
• Thyme 
• Anise
• Ivy 

Caution: They are mainly used for inhalation after being diluted in boiling water. Rarely can they be consumed, provided their packaging indicates that they are edible and only if diluted in a large quantity of hot water (e.g., 1 drop of edible oregano essential oil in 1 liter of boiling water).

Due to their composition of mono- and diterpenes, essential oils assist in addressing and reducing the symptoms of both acute and chronic bronchitis. They exhibit antimicrobial, bronchodilator, and expectorant properties, contributing to the reduction of asthmatic cough and the quick recovery from infection.

Specifically, they help in:

• Fluidizing secretions
• Nasal decongestion
• Reduction of persistent cough

Thus, they improve the quality of life for patients and contribute to faster recovery.

4. Herbs for Bronchitis

Herbs that can help in better managing bronchitis are:

• Andrographis
• Astragalus
• Lobelia
• Peppermint

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea is an herb that enhances the immune system and prevents the onset of colds, a common cause of bronchitis. It is used for the treatment of acute bronchitis and the prevention of upper respiratory infections. 

In addition to prevention, echinacea also contributes to reducing the duration of colds and infections, enhancing the body’s defense mechanisms. Specifically, it acts as a natural immune stimulant by increasing the activity of white blood cells and macrophages, strengthening the body’s defense against pathogenic microorganisms. 

However, due to its immunotropic effects, echinacea should not be administered for more than 15-20 days and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding individuals, as well as those with autoimmune diseases.

• Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata)

An herb rich in terpenes and flavonoids. According to studies, it:

• Enhances the immune system
• Has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects
• Aids in reducing the duration of bronchitis symptoms
• Contributes to preventing bronchitis in case of a cold

It can be combined with other immune-boosting herbs such as eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). It is used for the treatment of acute bronchitis and the prevention of upper respiratory infections. 

Caution: It should not be taken by individuals taking anticoagulants.

• Astragalus

Astragalus is one of the most potent immune-boosting herbs, thanks to its composition of flavonoids, phytosterols, and quercetin. Specifically, it helps strengthen the body’s defense in cases of colds, viral respiratory infections, and bronchitis.

• Lobelia (Lobelia inflata)

It has expectorant and antispasmodic properties, considered a valuable remedy for bronchitis. It contributes to reducing nasal congestion and productive cough.

• Peppermint

Widely used for treating cold symptoms. Thanks to menthol, it has decongestant properties and helps with the expectoration and expulsion of mucus from the lungs. It can be combined with eucalyptus, ivy, and oregano oil, which provide antimicrobial action and mucolytic properties.

Other substances and herbs that help boost the immune system and prevent colds include:

• Vitamins C, D, A, B12
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Probiotics

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to taking supplements, lifestyle changes can aid in faster recovery from bronchitis. Tips that can help include:

• Quitting smoking
• Wearing face masks in polluted and dusty environments
• Using a room humidifier for relief from dry cough and to liquefy mucus
• Consuming abundant fluids

Is Bronchitis Contagious?

The transmission of bronchitis depends on the factor causing it. In simple terms, if it is due to a virus or bacterium, then an infected individual can easily transmit it to a healthy person through respiratory droplets. On the contrary, if it is due to a chronic condition such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or smoking, there is no risk of transmission.

What to Watch Out For?

Visit a doctor immediately if bronchitis or cough symptoms:

• Make it difficult for you to sleep
• Are accompanied by persistent high fever (above 38°C)
• Are accompanied by severe shortness of breath
• Produce mucus with blood.

Bronchitis in children

Of course, viral bronchitis can often occur in children as well. The symptoms are similar to those of adults, while if the cough persists for more than 4 weeks, then further investigation by a pediatric pulmonologist is recommended.

Bronchitis Vs Pneumonia

Bronchitis differs from pneumonia, both in terms of the location of the infection, as well as in terms of causes and symptoms.

In particular, pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, which is accompanied by:

• back and/or chest pain
• shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• intense fatigue & myalgias
• confusion
• high fever
• nausea, tendency to vomit

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria and is usually a much more serious condition than bronchitis.

What is asthmatic bronchitis?

It is worth noting and making known the asthmatic bronchitis, which is the result of the simultaneous existence of asthma and bronchitis, which additionally makes the immune system work harder.

In summary, proper prevention and timely information are the key to the health of the respiratory system.

At vita4you.gr you can find a wide variety of syrups and food supplements for bronchitis.